17 Types of Sri Lankan Ayurveda – Ancient Method of Natural Healing

Sri Lanka Ayurveda (pronounced ae-ur-vay-dah) is the traditional natural medicine of Sri Lanka, a vital part of the country’s heritage. You may come across it in other countries but only in Sri Lanka is it such an essential component of the country’s wellness culture. (Perhaps because the island’s soil is so fertile, even the rarest herbs grow there.)

For Sri Lankans it is a trusted option to Western medical lore; visitors, too, can benefit from Sri Lanka Ayurveda. It has an efficacy proven by 3,000 years of care and cure. It is nature’s way to good health because of its reliance on natural plants, herbs and oils.

As the name implies (Ayur = life; Veda = knowledge), Ayurveda is the ‘knowledge of life’ or ‘the art of healthy living’. It is regarded as the oldest complete medical system in the world, with a history of inspiring wellness for nearly 5,000 years.

Ayurveda’s philosophy

These traditional medications were developed by ancient sages through keen observation of life and its functions. Ayurveda’s philosophy postulates that the

Development of each of us from birth is governed by the varied combination of the five basic forces of nature:  Water, Fire, Air, Earth and Ether.

Treatment comprises potions not only made from fresh, natural ingredients but also oil massages, steam baths and bathing in herbal waters. Treatments are particularly beneficial for patients suffering from a migraine, insomnia, arthritis and gastritis but can also help in cases of paralysis and practicality any affliction, The Panchakarma method has a great distinction in Ayurveda as it uses the five elements of medicinal herbs – Leaves, Flowers, Barks, Roots and Berries – to cleanse the blood and the body’s system of impurities.

Ayurveda treatment not only cures, but it also provides immunity too, so patients are both those in need of a cure for a particular ailment, as well as those who want to follow a course to stimulate and maintain good health. Treatment by Ayurveda cannot be hurried; it is not nature’s aspirin.

While locals are likely to consult a renowned village practitioner, tourists can have a course of treatment from a government-licensed practitioner while staying at a holiday resort.  Some tourist resorts, like some of those in the Bentota area, are exclusively Ayurveda, with prescribed treatment supplemented by specially prepared meals as recommended by a resident Ayurveda physician.

Types of Sri Lanka Ayurveda

• Shirobyanga to nourish the scalp and enhance the growth of hair
• Shirodhara to induce sleep and release stress
• Picchill to soothe and relieve inflammatory conditions of the scalp
• Parisheka to relieve the burning sensation of the body
• Abyanga to impart strength, good complexion and longevity and to relieve fatigue and induce sound sleep. To relieve aches and pains, ease muscle spasms and muscular rheumatism
• Mukabyanga to nourish the facial muscles and to improve complexion
• Ayurveda Face Paks to cleanse, moisturize and soothe the skin
• Akshitarpana to use a special eye bath to nourish the eyes and enhance eyesight
• Netraparisheka to cleanse the eyes, soothe and cool irritated eyes
• Netrapindi to place special medicated eye packs to soothe irritated eyes and to nourish and relax tires eyes
• Pinda Sweda to induce sweat, remove stiffness of joints and make them supple, cleanse body channels and to invigorate and restore by the application of a special procedure of sudation
• Parisheka Sweda to produce sweat and cleanse the body of its toxins
• Avagaha Sweda special sudation for lumbago, sciatica and to relieve renal pain
• Naadi Sweda to direct regulated steam to localized areas to relieve pain by means of a special apparatus
• Kuti Sweda (Sauna) to reduce weight used with care under the supervision of the Ayurveda doctor Steam Bath – to reduce body weight and fat the body is made to sweat in a special chamber made out of medicinal wood.
• Herbal Bath to alleviate certain skin disorders, remove toxins and relieve pain. It refreshes and invigorates the human body
• Pebble Walk to bring about reflex reactions of the sole to stimulate and tone-up internal organs.